This 1991 Gibson SG Special in Ferrari Red is a distinctive early-'90s USA-made Gibson combining the lightweight, double-cutaway SG platform with an unusual specification that sets it apart from later SG Specials.

Built around the classic 24.75" Gibson scale with a set neck, ebony fingerboard and Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece, this example has also been fitted with a pair of EMG humbuckers, giving it a more contemporary, high-output character than the original Gibson pickup configuration.

Serial number 91161319. The guitar is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional. A hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	SG Special
Year	1991
Finish	Ferrari Red
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Serial Number	91161319
Pickups	EMG Humbuckers
Pickup Status	Replacement / Non-Original
Fingerboard	Ebony
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Early-'90s USA SG with ebony board and EMG upgrade
Best For	Rock, hard rock, metal, alternative and live performance

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 1991 Gibson SG Special is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional and ready for regular use.

The fitted EMG pickups replace the model's original Gibson pickup configuration, making this an appealing player's example rather than a completely factory-original instrument.

What's Included?

✔ 1991 Gibson SG Special Ferrari Red
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

• Very Good overall condition
• Cosmetic wear consistent with age and previous use
• EMG humbuckers fitted
• Pickup configuration is not factory original
• Hardcase included
• Serial number: 91161319

No other specific faults, repairs or modifications are recorded.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Gibson SG has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• EMG neck pickup tested
• EMG bridge pickup tested
• 3-way pickup selector checked
• Volume controls tested
• Tone control checked
• Output jack tested
• Neck condition assessed
• Ebony fingerboard inspected
• Frets checked
• Tuning machines assessed
• Tune-O-Matic bridge checked
• Stopbar tailpiece inspected
• Hardware assessed
• General playability checked
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and general playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Hardware
• General playability

As with any wooden instrument, minor setup movement can occur during transportation due to changes in temperature and humidity.

What Makes The 1991 Gibson SG Special Special?

This generation of SG Special has a character quite different from many modern versions of the model. The Ferrari Red finish, ebony fingerboard, stripped-back dot-marker aesthetic and three-control electronics give it an unmistakable late-'80s/early-'90s Gibson identity, while the thin SG body retains the exceptional upper-fret access and immediate response that made the design famous.

This particular guitar moves further towards a performance-focused specification through its fitted EMG humbuckers. Rather than aiming for complete originality, it offers the combination of an older USA Gibson platform with a more powerful pickup configuration suited to driven amplifiers, high-gain rigs and modern pedalboards.

Key Features & Benefits

Fitted EMG Humbuckers

The replacement EMG pickups give this guitar a different tonal identity from its original Gibson humbuckers, making it particularly attractive to players looking for strong output, definition and a tighter response for heavier styles.

Ebony Fingerboard

The ebony fingerboard is one of the more desirable features of this period SG Special, providing a smooth playing surface with a crisp response and a distinctive appearance against the Ferrari Red body.

Fast SG Upper-Fret Access

The deeply cut double-cutaway body allows easy access throughout the 22-fret fingerboard, making the SG especially comfortable for lead work and technically demanding playing.

24.75" Gibson Scale

The traditional Gibson scale length gives the strings a slightly softer feel than a 25.5" guitar, making bends and vibrato comfortable while retaining plenty of weight and sustain.

Tune-O-Matic And Stopbar Hardware

The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide straightforward intonation adjustment and a solid string anchor, making the guitar easy to maintain and set up.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

1991 Gibson SG Special vs Modern Gibson SG Special

Modern SG Specials often lean towards vintage-inspired P-90 specifications. This early-'90s version is fundamentally different, with humbucker routing, an ebony fingerboard and a more contemporary specification typical of Gibson's production at the time.

SG Special with EMGs vs Standard SG Humbuckers

Traditional Gibson humbuckers generally emphasise warmth, midrange and dynamic response. The fitted EMGs move this guitar towards a tighter and more aggressive character, particularly useful for harder rock and higher-gain playing.

Gibson SG Special vs Gibson Les Paul

Both offer Gibson's shorter scale and set-neck construction, but the SG's much thinner body reduces bulk and gives considerably easier access to the upper frets. Players prioritising mobility and lead access often find the SG more comfortable.

Who Is It For?

Rock and hard rock players – The SG format and EMG pickup configuration are naturally suited to powerful distorted guitar sounds.

Metal guitarists – The upgraded electronics provide a more contemporary platform for higher-gain amplification and tight rhythm playing.

Lead players – Deep double cutaways provide excellent access to the highest frets.

Fans of older USA Gibsons – This offers genuine early-'90s Gibson construction rather than a modern recreation.

Players rather than originality-focused collectors – The replacement pickups make this especially appropriate for someone looking for an older Gibson to use regularly rather than a completely untouched example.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Hard rock
• Heavy rock
• Metal
• Alternative metal
• Classic rock
• Punk
• Grunge
• Alternative
• Progressive rock
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar
• High-gain amplifiers
• Pedal-based rigs

Why Choose An EMG-Equipped SG?

An SG already provides many of the characteristics that work well for heavier music: a lightweight body, strong midrange, short scale and exceptional access to the upper frets.

Adding EMG humbuckers shifts the instrument further towards a modern performance role. The result is a guitar capable of combining the physical feel and character of an older USA Gibson with a pickup system chosen for more aggressive contemporary sounds.

For players who value performance over strict originality, that combination can make considerably more sense than keeping an older guitar entirely factory-spec.

Story & Context

The SG Special has existed in numerous forms throughout Gibson history, ranging from stripped-back P-90 models to humbucker-equipped instruments designed as more affordable alternatives to the SG Standard.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gibson produced a particularly distinctive version featuring specifications such as an ebony fingerboard, humbuckers and a simplified three-knob control arrangement.

Ferrari Red was one of the characteristic finishes associated with this generation and gives these guitars a very different appearance from the more traditional Cherry and Ebony SGs.

Serial number 91161319 dates this example to 1991, placing it within that distinctive period of Gibson USA production.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	SG Special
Year	1991
Serial Number	91161319
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Ferrari Red
Body Shape	SG
Body Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Neck Material	Maple
Fingerboard Material	Ebony
Fingerboard Inlays	Dot
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Pickup Configuration	HH
Current Pickups	EMG Humbuckers
Original Period Pickup Specification	Gibson 490-Series Humbuckers
Pickup Originality	Replacement
Controls	2 Volume, 1 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Modification Note

This guitar is currently fitted with EMG humbuckers rather than the Gibson pickups associated with the original 1991 SG Special specification.

The exact EMG pickup models are not identified, so no claim is made regarding a specific EMG model number or internal specification.

Power Requirements

The exact EMG pickup models fitted to this guitar are not identified.

Some EMG humbuckers use an active battery-powered circuit while others are passive, so the electrical specification of the fitted pickup set should not be assumed purely from the EMG branding.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

This 1991 Gibson SG Special in Ferrari Red is a particularly interesting player's guitar, combining genuine early-'90s Gibson USA construction with an ebony fingerboard and a more aggressive EMG-equipped electronics setup.

The pickup change means it is not aimed at the buyer seeking a completely untouched example, but for someone wanting an older USA SG to actually play, record and gig, the modification may be part of the attraction.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with a hardcase, this is a distinctive Gibson with considerably more individual character than a standard current-production SG.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Older and modified guitars should be assessed as individual instruments rather than purely by their original catalogue specification.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually checked before sale, with significant changes such as the fitted EMG pickups clearly identified so customers can understand exactly what they are purchasing.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new, used and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Gibson and pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Clear disclosure of notable modifications
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing gear could help towards the cost of this Gibson.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your existing gear could be worth towards this 1991 Gibson SG Special.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year is this Gibson SG Special?

Serial number 91161319 dates the guitar to 1991.

Is this guitar made in the USA?

Yes. This generation of SG Special was manufactured by Gibson in the United States.

Are the EMG pickups original?

No. The EMG pickups are treated as replacement pickups rather than part of the original factory specification.

What pickups would a 1991 SG Special originally have used?

Period specifications indicate 1990–91 examples used Gibson 490-series humbuckers.

Do you know which EMG pickups are fitted?

The exact EMG model numbers are not identified, so the listing does not make an unsupported claim about the specific pickup set.

Does it have an ebony fingerboard?

Yes. This generation of SG Special uses an ebony fingerboard with dot position markers.

What is unusual about the control layout?

This period SG Special uses two volume controls and one master tone, rather than the four-control layout found on many SG Standards.

What scale length does it use?

It uses Gibson's traditional 24.75" scale length.

What bridge is fitted?

The guitar uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece.

Is this suitable for metal?

Yes. The SG's fast upper-fret access combined with the fitted EMG humbuckers makes this example particularly well suited to heavier rock and metal styles.

Is it still suitable for classic rock?

Yes. The fundamental SG construction remains well suited to classic rock, although the EMG pickups give this particular guitar a different response from a completely stock vintage-style SG.

Is this better suited to a player or collector?

Because the pickups have been changed, this guitar is particularly attractive as a player's early-'90s Gibson rather than an untouched originality-focused collector example.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Can I request a closer look at the individual guitar?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is particularly useful for older pre-owned instruments and can provide a closer look at the Ferrari Red finish, condition and fitted EMG electronics.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.